SVG/CSS WG Effects Task Force proposal

Dear CSS WG,

Through recent discussions with the CSS WG, it has become clear that the
groups have shared interests in a number of topics, including animation,
transforms, layout, adaptive content, and many other areas.  It is in
the mutual interest of our technologies, our implementers, and most
importantly our users, that the technologies be as compatible as
possible, reusing the same underlying models and mechanisms even where
there are differences in syntax.  These technologies should work well for
both CSS/HTML and SVG, for ease and consistency of implementation, and
to share test suites.

Here are a few features/specs the SVG WG has identified as relevant in
this respect:
* gradients and other paint servers
* filters, including canned filter effects
* transformations, including 2D and 2.5D (pseudo-3D)
* animation / transitions
* parameters
* advanced text layout (along with XSL-FO WG?)
** wrapping text to a shape (optical kerning)
** sizing shapes to fit text
** vertical text
* content layout
** adapting CSS flexible boxes to provide positioning and sizing for SVG
elements
** extending calc() (or something similar) to provide general one-way
constraints for element attributes and properties

To ensure a clear and speedy channel for communication, the SVG WG
proposes that we form a joint Task Force between the CSS and SVG WGs,
tentatively called the Effects Task Force, and that we use the
public-fx@w3.org mailing list to coordinate.  The deliverables of this
TF would be specifications that apply to both CSS and SVG, with the
details negotiable, but with an emphasis on rapid development.  The SVG
WG holds 2 telcons per week, Monday and Thursday; we propose that some
portion of the Thursday telcon be dedicated to the discussion of the
Effects TF deliverables, as needed.

Naturally, not all members of the CSS WG will be interested in all these
topics, and many will have time constraints that prevent them from
attending more telcons, so participation by individuals in the Effects
Task Force will be optional; we encourage all those interested to join
if if they cannot be active, however.

If the CSS WG agrees, we will draft a charter for the Task Force.  W3C
process requires only that the relevant specifications are listed in the
charters of the participating groups; as long as the chairs of the
groups agree to the TF, there is no need for AC or W3M approval.

We look forward to your reply, and to future coordination on these matters.

Regards
/Erik, on behalf of the SVG WG (ACTION-2713)

-- 
Erik Dahlstrom, Core Technology Developer, Opera Software
Co-Chair, W3C SVG Working Group
Personal blog: http://my.opera.com/macdev_ed

Received on Monday, 18 January 2010 12:58:45 UTC